Congressman, war hero, guilty of bribery

Randy "Duke" Cunningham has been a dominant figure in San Diego
County's political landscape for 15 years, riding his celebrity as
a decorated, former Navy fighter pilot and "Top Gun" flight
instructor to eight consecutive terms in Congress —— until this
year's investigations of alleged bribery, which culminated Monday
in his resignation from office.

Through his tenure, and before his fall from grace this year,
Cunningham was conservative, outspoken, and a champion of military,
security and border-protection issues. He was also at times
publicly combative, rude, insensitive to opponents —— and critics
would say, homophobic.

Known more for his advisory expertise than for major
legislation, the 63-year-old Cunningham has said the United States
should greatly increase spending on homeland security and medical
research, slightly increase spending on defense and slash funding
for the arts and international aid.

He's also been routinely criticized by political challengers for
failing to debate and by liberal organizations such as the National
Organization for Women, the California Student Public Interest
Research Group, and environmental groups.

He served on the House Appropriations Committee, the Labor,
Health and Human Services Committee, and the Education
Appropriation Committee. In 2004, he was chosen to serve as
chairman of the Subcommittee on Human Intelligence Analysis and
Counterintelligence, and on the House Select Committee on
Intelligence.

Newsworthy events include:

- 1972: Becomes first "ace" of Vietnam War, shooting down three
Russian-made enemy jets in one day.

- 1990: Rolled to a comfortable victory in his first try for
Congress despite being a Republican in a south San Diego district
with mostly Democratic voters. Easily won seven re-elections in a
reconfigured district with mostly Republican voters —— many from
North County.

1992: Criticized for saying —— in separate incidents —— that
liberal Democratic leaders and Vietnam War protesters "should be
shot."

1995: Physically attacked by another congressman after an
exchange on House floor.

- 1997: Pushed for an Oceanside-to-Escondido rail line.

- 1998: Co-wrote bills to drastically increase number of border
patrol officers and to build fences along well-known illegal-alien
smuggling areas, including at the San Diego-Tijuana border.

U.S. Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham resigned after pleading guilty
to taking $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors through
cash, vacations, real estate transactions, yacht club fees and
other gifts, including a Rolls Royce and a downpayment on a home.
Cunningham also pleaded guilty to tax evasion and, according to the
charges, funneled some bribes through a company he owns.

What's next for Cunningham?

Cunningham faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the
crimes, and will forfeit his $2.5 million Rancho Santa Fe house,
more than $1.8 million in cash, and a long list of luxury items
contained in the home. Cunningham was allowed to remain free while
he awaits sentencing, which is scheduled for Feb. 27.